VAIO VPC-Z1190 CTO on Canadian Site!

Warranty is the only reason I'm buying it in Canada. It's just too expensive a notebook with too many propreitary parts for me to consider not having a warranty.

 

Hey guys,

Thank you for your purchase at Sony Style. Your order has been shipped

Just an update, looks like my Vaio has shipped and is en route as I type this. Fedex indicates a delivery time of no later than Noon Wednesday.

Wohooo!

 

congrats reactionred

thats pretty fast any delays or was the estimated ship date accurate? also did you get your vaio shipped express? so it would take about a few business days?

 

Thanks! I am itching to get my hands on this. Sucks my vacation is over this week though I'm not gonna get any time to play with this thing going forward.

It actually shipped out yesterday, the 15th, late-afternoon from California. I'm not sure where the other Canadian CTOs are coming from, that could change the date I'm sure. I did choose Express shipping. Actually it shipped before the scheduled shipping date which is good news. Looks like express is about ~2 business days, which is excellent.

 

Sony lost my order... I can't even understand how that is possible

 

Update: Sony Canada has been having Oracle Database issues so some orders placed, particularly on the 8th when the Z was released, never made it to production.

My order was supposed to ship yesterday, the current status is that it will be completed tomorrow, ship Friday. That is some relief at least...

 

I placed my order on the 7th when the Z was just released in Canada. Mine got shipped on the 16th as planned and will arrive in my city by tomorrow.

Does anyone think an external drive such as a fast memory stick or a USB drive would be worth extending the SSD life from both speed deterioration and failure? Due to the absence of TRIM in SSD, I am thinking about using it to store temporary files due like cookies / temporary internet files / stuff I would refresh/save often. Does anyone consider that and would that be a benefit to both myself (in terms of the overall speed of the laptop) and my hardware (reliability)? Also, would that rapidly deteriorate the Memory Stick due to such use?

 

My impression is that only eSata seems to be comparable in terms of throughput. I found an expresscard34 with eSata and a dual-drive external 2.5inch enclosure with RAID which I may use for my spare HDD.

If your concern is temporary files, why not get more RAM and create a RAM disk? That way the access will still be fast, certainly much faster than USB, and no persistent storage is needed since it's temp files anyway. I don't know much about RAM disks on Windows 7 though, I use it on Linux.

 

An external 2.5in. enclosure would mean an extra item to lug around. If I use a Memory Stick, I can slide it completely into the slot in my future laptop and would not notice I am carrying it afterward. Are top-end Memory Sticks reliable for that purpose?

 

Yes, it's just that I don't know what to do with the HDDs I still have so I may get the enclosure For storage... The eSata interface should be faster too.

I think the memory sticks should be sufficiently reliable, the issue would be latency and throughput imho... Depending on the application, it may not matter that much. Since it's relatively inexpensive, I guess it's worth a try and see if it works out

 

An interesting thread on RAM disk: http://hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1419443

And free software: http://memory.dataram.com/products-and-services/software/ramdisk

 

Got my Z delivered this morning. I'm using it now. Got most of the applications loaded up onto it damn fast. I love SSDs.. I can never go back.

Anyone have any questions about the carbon fiber i7 model?

 

nice. btw which size ssd did you get?

 

As for storage, I am thinking of setting up a network hard drive (at least 1TB) for my house. When I am on the go, I'd just grab whichever is useful. In the near-future, that's where Blu-ray RW becomes useful, so I can rely less on my SSD--but I guess I can afford a 64GB pen drive by then. I want to store just programs in the SSD because they are relatively permanent, plus they are easier on the SSD's lifespan.

 

I got 256. Setup in Dual raid. Still not enough size for me. ugh!

They should have included a case for the earphones.. these are actually half decent.. I haven't tested the noise cancellation feature yet, justu sed them on ipod and they sound nice and bassy, typical of sony acoustics.

HDMI checks out, the 1600x900 screen is gorgeous I run it at native DPI with no scaling and I generally don't have a problem with it, in fact it's quite a bit of screen real estate.

I'm on the hunt for good cases and bags now specifically for this vaio, I had another leather case for 13.3" but it doesn't fit the Z really well

 

Congratulations on your Vaio! If you find a good case or a bag for it can you post it here or PM me? I just ordered my Z Series a while ago and I'm going to need one too

 

Congrats! Good news on the headphones too - someone else had reported that it wouldn't work on standard audio devices because the plug has an extra ring (to account for the microphone for noise-cancelling).

Also good to hear your positive opinion on the screen, especially coming from a photography-guy - it will mean the rest of us peons will definitely enjoy it.

-Peter

 

The noise cancelling earphones work on any device with a 3.5 jack.

 

For some reason the headphones won't work on my iphone, but they work fine on a ipod nano.... Seems like part of the audio is missing when I use them with my iphone. strange

 

How's the video playback through hdmi? Like butter?

 

Just a question about the speed of i7 vs i5, do you know how much faster is i7 compare with i5, since both are available in Canada site.

 

Which i5 and which i7?
If you're just comparing Arrandale dual-cores, just look at the clock speeds when Turbo Boosted if you want an indication of performance relative to one another.
CPU: 2-core max/1-core max
i5-520M: 2.667/2.933
i5-540M: 2.800/3.067
i7-620M: 3.067/3.333

 

Thanks! I'm going to keep looking, but so far I've been leaning towards a custom case from a company called Fabrix. I find that unless you can locate a specific 13.1" case you'll be screwed by the low profile of the Z. So by ordering from Fabrix you can choose your design and email specific dimensions and order it. I don't know how good the laptop padding is, the cases for my ipods have been awesome and I still use them. If you can find one from a retailer let me know too, I'm also curious

Umm... well because you asked I decided to double check and it turns out the noise cancelling aspect is kind of strange. It doesn't work with the socket of my Blackberry now that I tried it, and I think it has something to do with the inline connection on the jack. It does fit a standard 3.5mm but if you have a dual use port like on a cellphone, I don't think it'll work, because something strange is happening to mic input.

I tried playing same song from my new blackberry onto my older ipod classic and what a difference! The sound is great and registers nicely from this device. Totally weird!! We could start a whole other thread on these headphones.

I think the noise cancellation feature only works on the Z, and the earphones themselves only work on devices that don't have dual jack. I hope that clears it up. Must be an inherent design flaw in these earbuds. They still sound great though, even from an ipod.

This, I haven't really tested yet thoroughly, but the resolution reproduces nicely and there's no flickering or anything. I'm loading my media onto the Z right now including movies and tv shows, so once it's loaded I can report back.

 

Hey - thanks for sharing all of the information, specially in the earphones!

So is this confirmation that the Intel Storage Manager (or other tools) are showing there to be 2x128GB drives rather than 4x64GB drives for the Canadian CTOs?

 

I'm sure it's the same as the US model (since they're all built there) which has been confirmed at 2x128gb.

Does anyone know if there's a way to check the status of an order online, that was placed over the phone? The details in the confirmation email don't seem to work.

 

Yeah I never tried to track it once on their website. I received an email once they started production and then when it shipped, and that was all I heard of it. I'm glad I didn't have to wait long.

I decided I couldn't wait the 1 month it would take to order a custom case from Fabrix, so I found this international laptop bag store, and picked out a really nice black microfiber case. The case has an elastic under the zipper as well so this looks like one of the more sturdier sleeves I've seen.

http://www.kolobags.com/product.php?productid=2528#

They also sell that case in grey and red, and ship international. Thought I'd let you guys know.

 

On the portableone website it says -1 year limited warranty with International Service
Does that not mean international warranty.

 

If it's the Japanese model with 1 year international warranty, then it should. The list of countries is on here: http://extra.sony-asia.com/vaio/irsp/ap/index.html

Sometimes there's a 3-year warranty offered, however years 2 and 3 and in-Japan ONLY.

 

Thanks for the info! It looks like a decent sleeve. I also noticed this one, looks pretty sturdy to me:

http://www.kolobags.com/product.php?productid=2719#

Do you know how much do they charge for shipping to Canada? I couldn't find this information in the Customer Service section.

 

When I phoned Sony USA, they told me the International warranty covers only the countries countries in this list:

ie. no Canada...

Edit: Just saw Sunfox's posting. Interesting - it makes a difference where you buy it from. I wondered why Conics showed Canada as a supported country. Thanks!

-Peter

 

I'm interresting to buy the samething ! But I have little concern about heat (under the laptop) I read in a review is not cold as Sony CW (probably less place to dissipe heat)

 

Hey

just a quick question regarding the screen quality of the new vaio z ..what is sonys dead/stuck pixel policy? are these screens pretty good quality any one have any dead pixels on their new sony vaio z?

 

Yeah the heat issue is not too bad, the thing definetely generates a lot of heat given the right circumstances and you're really pushing the Graphics card. But the cooling system is FANTASTIC. It's like a jet engine pushing air out of the side. If you had an infrared camera, you'd see a blast of heat as if it's Gamma Ray bursts out of a black hole ...... LOL

The heat trail has come out to almost a foot out the side of the fan, and is a very concentrated amount of heat so it's not safe to leave flames or anything next to it. That being said, it really keeps a control on the circuitry ensuring the device will last for some time. I don't have any issues with it and Dell's laptops are definetely hotter because they don't cool very well.

Anyone know how to properly wrap up the AC adapter..?

 

"This is to advise you that production on your customized VAIO computer has begun."

Yay!

"If you would like to track your order, please visit us online now."

Clicking on "visit us" gives me a page with "We're sorry the page you have requested can not be displayed."

Boo!

 

Well I just got an email saying my order is in production but.... it is for the first order that requested to be cancelled. I was told by the sony customer rep that he had confirmed it was cancelled before I went ahead and placed the new order. I really hope I don't end up having to pay for both orders.

 

finally broke down and ordered a cto on sonystyle.ca....cant wait to get the laptop...

hey sunfox you can still check the progress of your order if you ordered through the phone??

 

Here are a few pics of a case I saw today that fits the Sony Z, it fits a 13.3. I think its one of the nicest ones out there and there are loops on the side should you wish to attach a strap for your shoulder instead of carrying in hand. It is very slim and the padding is about right and very light. I decided to take a few pictures of it and post them here for everyone.

Surprisingly, I found it at Henry's Camera Store when I went to pick up a case for my camera. The cost wasn't cheap $59.99 Canadian if I read it right, I feel its not worth more than $30 after all its not leather but it does look cool.

 

Not sure, but right now I'm leaning towards "no". The original confirmation email says to call, the email I just got saying production has begun says I can check online, but the link (which was was bad earlier but works right now) just goes to the standard "check your order" form, which says my order information is invalid.

Can someone who ordered online tell me the format of their order number?

 

That's a really nice case. I saw it on their website before ( http://www.ca.acmemade.com/), but there it goes for $69, so I guess Henry's gives a pretty good deal. How does it look inside? Does it look like it would somewhat protect the laptop?

Apparently the order checking website is not working properly. I called Sony on Friday asking about it (the website claimed my order number is incorrect) and the rep told me that they are plugged into the US website for order tracking and that a software problem came up which they're trying to fix. Later that day I got my "production started" email, so I figured everything is fine.

Anyway, my order number format is CTxxxxxxxxxxx (9 digits).

 

'

The front (Acme logo) has more padding than the back, for general use its good. I just feel that for $59.99 it could have been much better made...you can buy decent luggage for $60 on sale these days. If I find anything better I'll keep everyone posted and hopefully everyone can keep us posted as well with any good cases. Cheers.

 

hey to those that have recieved their cto'd vaio z's can you comment on the horizontal lines that people have been mentioning of the screen and the apparently horible viewing angles?

i was wondering if it was that bad...would hate to spend all the money to have a flawed laptop ...

would appreciate some feedback from those that are currently using the vaio z

 

I put in my order today....

Intel® Core™ i7-620M processor (2.66GHz) with Turbo Boost up to 3.33GH
13.1" widescreen with XBRITE-DuraView™ LCD technology (1600x900) featuring NVIDIA® GeForce® Graphics with 1GB VRAM
Standard Capacity Battery
No Engraving
384GB (128GBx1 + 256GBx1) Solid State Drive with RAID technology
DVD +/- R DL / DVD +/- RW / DVD-RAM Drive
No Fresh Start™
Premium Carbon Fibre
Microsoft® Works
Microsoft Windows® 7 Home Premium 64-bit
4GB (2GBx2) DDR3-SDRAM-1066

Around April 20th is when I get it shipped.

I found out the refresh of the Z1190 is coming out June 20th and for Canadians it will have the full HD screen with 1920x1080 res don't know if it will be the matte or glossy screen. Mind you there will be a good price premium for that screen but if those are your needs then at least you have the option. Too bad they didn't have it available to Canadians now.

Cheers.

 

Hey hollywood

aside from the 1080p screen what other items do you think will be in the refresh in june???

i wonder if the prices for the options would drop abit during the next refresh? also if any other discounts would come up in june ie marchmadness type deals

 

The March Madness deal is the biggest discount you can usually get on a laptop. Other times its just $100 until maybe back to school. Not sure if the screen will be edge to edge but it probably will have a thin bezel like the current Z model. I was fortunate that I got $565 off the price off my current purchase....I used Sony's Notebook Trade In Offer and sent in my previous laptop for a credit plus the current March Madness credit, so I'm fairly happy with the deal and I had a great female sales rep on the phone.

She said I could put the credit on hold until the next refresh but that will be around June 20th and if there is another back order we are looking at July shipping date.....unfortunately I can't wait that long, and I think the 1600x900 screen is already great for my needs. Sure a 1920x1080 would be really nice but at what price...and will it be worth it? Don't know about pricing.....I hope the SSD price drops but then again how much can it drop in two months $100?....Sony is pretty tight with the prices. I think it will be a year before prices drop dramatically on SSD's. Mind you I think it would be pretty cool if they offered a 3D BlueRay Drive option on the refresh...won't be cheap. Just my opinion.

Hope this info helps.

Cheers.

 

Hey thanks for the insight hollywood...yeah the 1080p screen would be nice but on a 13 inch screen i dont think i would notice the upgrade and your right the price would probably be a premium for that option...i was really hoping to get the blu ray drive on my cto z but at almost 500 dollars that is too expensive and maybe during the next refresh the prices might drop on that option...

how did you get a nice sales lady while calling sony style canada...all i got was guys lol

also, i wish they offered the glossy premium carbon as an option i think it looks so cool...and it would be awesome if sonystyle canada were to offer a signature series z on their next refresh..but i dont even wanna know how much that would cost lol

anyways any chance of them upgrading the processor to make it even faster during the next refresh? anyways i put my order in last friday and have an estimated shipping date of april 20th so i cant wait for it to come in....this will be the ultimate laptop for me never spent so much on a laptop ever...so hope it will be worth the wait...

 

April 20th! You must have gone for Premium Carbon (that seems to be the big delaying item right now).

Mine entered production on Friday, so I'm hoping it goes out soon.

 

hey sunfox

yeah i went with the premium carbon i just love the look of it...as a note ive never bought anything without first seeing it at the store..but up here in montreal every sony store ive been too have not had this item on display...but ive been saving up awhile for a high end laptop like this and i just couldnt wait any longer the longer i wait the quicker the estimated ship date gets pushed up...lol....and with the marchmadness promotion i just couldnt resist...so i hope i wont get dissapointed.

i got the i7 with the 192gb ssd and in premium carbon with win 7 pro. and fresh start..

anyone care to tell me if fresh start is really worth it ? how much bloatware is really on the new vaio z???

 

I When I got my SZ 4 years ago it was a prebuilt (no CTO available) with the normal array of bloatware (plus all the dial-up ISP companies they were still trying to sell), and I uninstalled it all and have been running from the same OS installation ever since.

But I went with Fresh Start myself this time, just to avoid having to install trials of Norton and such.

Since Fresh Start costs $0, I think it is "worth it".

 

hey

i was just on the us cto page and noticed that the 4gb of ram is listed at 4x1 ? but on the canadian cto it is listed as 2x2gb?

will we \get the same?

 

Good question I hope its only the one stick, so it's cheaper to upgrade later.

Has anyone got their Sony Z yet from Sony Canada?

I was going to go with the Fresh Start option but didn't want to go searching for the Vaio Control center that controls backlit keyboard and other functions, so I figure I'll just delete the bloatware.

If a few of us live in or near Toronto....we should eventually have a Sony Z "Meet" at a Starbucks or a coffee/bar venue.